Key responsibilities
Shape, manage and execute a public policy strategy that supports business priorities and strengthens Booking.com’s corporate profile in the CEE region.
Represent the company’s interests in CEE by engaging with relevant political, regulatory, and public policy stakeholders at the national, regional, and local levels.
Monitor and analyze relevant political and regulatory developments, decisions, and stakeholder activities related to public affairs and reputation issues
Organise events and campaigns to enhance Booking.com’s corporate profile
Prepare materials such as presentations, briefings, position papers and responses to public consultations
Proactively coordinate and communicate internally to align messaging and provide colleagues with a thorough understanding of developments
Facilitate and support high-level meetings with key stakeholders to promote and advocate the company’s public policy priorities
Work closely with external consultants and align efforts with relevant trade associations.
The ideal candidate for the role of Public Affairs Manager CEE will have:
Bachelor degree in policy, European Studies, international affairs, political science or other relevant field
A proven track record of 5-8 years of relevant experience in Poland or Czech Republic and at least one other CEE country, ideally combining work in a political or governmental institution with in-house or consultancy experience in public affairs. Experience covering multiple CEE markets is a strong advantage.
A solid understanding of policy and legal challenges facing the tourism and tech industry in CEE and affinity with the travel and platform industry
Excellent oral communications skills, with the ability to distill complex information into clear, compelling messages that will resonate with political and regulatory audiences, as well as into succinct updates for the business teams
Strong writing skills and practical experience in drafting materials for regulators, senior executives or politicians
Experience with organizing public affairs / policy events in CEE region
A track record of developing creative and effective public affairs campaigns that underpin the company’s business objectives
Outstanding organizational skills, including the ability to, manage multiple work streams simultaneously and proactively coordinate across stakeholders to drive results
Experience working in fast-paced, multicultural environments
Experience with managing sensitive reputational issues and/or crises
Confidence and ability to engage directly with policy makers and to act as a spokesperson for the business
Personal attributes
Self-starter that is also an excellent team player
Strong influencing skills and ability to inspire confidence, as well as the ability to establish and maintain effective relationships at all levels
High level of integrity with ability to develop both internal and external credibility
Hands-on, results-focused and impactful.
Fluency in Polish and English, both verbally and in writing, ideally another language of the relevant countries (Czech, Hungarian or Romanian)
Further skills we are looking for:
Aligning with Booking.com’s Values ( Think Customer First, Succeed Together, Own It, Learn Forever, Do the Right Thing)
Being curious, flexible, and a creative & pragmatic problem solver
Confident yet collaborative
Being proactive, resilient and having the drive to get things done
Having sound judgement and the ability to see the big picture while simultaneously appreciating the details necessary to operationalise the strategy
Having the courage to take positions and make tough judgment calls
Being a team player, self aware and a good listener - a diverse group will always find the best solution!
Ability to move with agility, prioritise workloads and meet deadlines
Forward thinking with an interest in emerging issues in legal and policy.
Pre-Employment Screening
If your application is successful, your personal data may be used for a pre-employment screening check by a third party as permitted by applicable law. Depending on the vacancy and applicable law, a pre-employment screening may include employment history, education and other information (such as media information) that may be necessary for determining your qualifications and suitability for the position.
